Starting out my own Tree business - Tips & Tricks - Advice

treejunkie

absolutely hysterical. That there be some high quality entertainment.

On a different note....I saw the title of this thread and decided that this may be the best place to ask this question.

I have been working on slowly starting my own business, because after years of working for others, I have decided that it would be in my best interest to do it myself. The old adage of if you want something done right you have to do it yourself has come to play.

My question or idea is to have a thread that literally talks about either mistakes(major, or minor) that some of you have had starting or maintaining your business, or great little tricks/tips that have really aided in growing/maintaining your company.

At first I thought this may be unfair as obviously I will eventually (within about 2-3 years) will become a competitor in my area (Seattle). However, after thinking hard on the decision I realized that EVERYONE could possibly benefit from lessons learned by others.

I know I am a really new poster(I really don't like posting a lot, prefer to play in the shadows biding my time till i feel the need to say something), however I think this is something that all of us could benefit from.

For myself, I have only begun to work on creating a business. I intend to have a name, fully scoped business plan and license bonding and insurance up and running for next spring, but on a very slow scale so as to grow into actually owning/running my own full scale business (It is a common mistake to try to leap before looking). IE, next summer begin doing some smaller scale work with minimal equipment, but not under the table, nor under the guise of "hey I can do this work for you real cheap like...."

I have already begun looking at finding insurance contacts, hiring out a crack crew (not the drug ) and I as subcontractors(lots of places are doing more of that out here as needed due to the economic losses).


So.... what do you all think? Also, feel free to re-create the thread topic or whatnot as you see fit...just thought it might be a good place...

Therrin

This subj has been covered on several other threads. And there's alot to say about it. You may not be getting responses cuz folks are tired of typing their same opinions over and over. Look around a bit.

Request for advice on starting A tree Bus

Ideas?

Getting Started in the Tree Business

Recommendations for hiring an Arborist| Tree Workers

Wooden Business Cards

What would you pay for good workers?

Why are you in the tree business?

Getting the best out your truck settup

Type of buisness

what's an Arborist worth.

I'd suggest you read up on some of those, and if you have some specific questions afterwards, start with them.

stirmantrees

keep overhead low.
pay cash on the barrel for your needs as much as possible.
DO NOT FINANCE YOURSELF INTO SLAVERY!!!
my .02

stirmantrees

and get one of those pet monkeys that will do all your climbing for a bunch of bananas. i heard about them and trained squirrels.

seriously, watch your credit.

Apocalypsse

Buy into Jims Trees or stay the f**k away? It seems like a good way to learn the business side of things a bit easier.

Drouin Tree Service

Work harder than everyone else

__________________

Drouin Tree Services | Excavator Hire - Drouin and SE Gippsland | Landclearing Melbourne

TrevMcRev

I think first you need to be real clear on why you want to go into business for yourself.

If it's because you don't have enough money, time, freedom, or work for an idiot...remember its very easy to end up with all of the above in your very own business.

My advice... the best investment you could make is in a business coach.
If you can't afford one, start with business books & seminars.

treejunkie

already have a business coach, begun a business plan. Have a mission statement. don't worry I'm not interested in just jumping into something, nor am I interested in just starting a business because. In fact I already understand that a business will most likely not make any money for the first few years.

Don't worry I am not getting into it for the wrong reasons. I just want people to take proper care of their trees and to help them make the proper decisions regarding that care. I see that most companies don't try very much at all.


On a sadder note....after 12-13 years of tree working I finally nicked myself with a chainsaw. Got lucky, no lost appendages or portions thereof. Just a number of stitches and an upset me. It was a stupid mistake and happened in the last part of the day.... SO, remember folks, always step back and take your time when your feeling too rushed. Never get in a hurry or skip steps. I got lucky, only 60ft up and just a deep as hell wound. Take it upon yourself not to get hurried.

Thanks for the listing of threads BTW. Those will come in handy for sure.

stirmantrees

sorry. i know how it feels.